Angola Tourism

Tourism is a rapidly growing sector of the Namibian economy and a significant generator of employment. It is the third-largest source of foreign exchange after mining and fisheries. Although the majority of Namibia's international visitors originate in the region, other international travelers are increasingly attracted by the country's unique mix of political stability, cultural diversity, and geographic beauty. Tourism in Namibia has had a positive impact on resource conservation and rural development. Some 29 communal conservancies have been established across the country, resulting in enhanced land management while providing tens of thousands of rural Namibians with much needed income. ... [Read More]

Communique: First SADC-U.S. Forum, Gaborone, Botswana

The Forum recognized HIV/AIDS as a global problem. It focused particularly on the impact of HIV/AIDS on SADC, and highlighted the importance of pursuing solutions which address the social, economic, political and security aspects of HIV/AIDS. Toward this end, the Forum agreed to pursue collaborative efforts to develop a harmonized HIV/AIDS policy for SADC and to hold regional workshops for representatives of the health, mining, transport, human resource development, tourism and private business and non-governmental sectors affected by HIV/AIDS. ... [Read More]

Cuba (08/04)

In the mid-1990s, tourism surpassed sugar as the primary source of foreign exchange. Tourism figures prominently in the Cuban Government's plans for development, and a top official cast it as at the "heart of the economy." Havana devotes significant resources to building new tourist facilities and renovating historic structures for use in the tourism sector. Roughly 1.7 million tourists visited Cuba in 2001, generating about $1.85 billion in gross revenues; in 2003, the number rose to 1.9 million tourists, predominantly from Canada and the European Union, generating revenue of $2.1 billion. ... [Read More]

Cuba's Foreign Debt

In Cuba’s stagnant economy there is one growth sector that is expanding: the “sex-tourism” industry. The sex tourism industry in Cuba is anything but hidden. Any casual stroll along the Malecon, central Havana and around the major tourist hotels will show that the sex business in Cuba is “big business.” A 2002 Johns Hopkins University Study reported, “Canadian and American tourists have contributed to a sharp increase in child prostitution and in the exploitation of women in Cuba.” Despite the regime’s lip service to the goal of abolishing prostitution, the growing economic desperation during the Castro regime has fueled the sex tourism industry. ... [Read More]

Zambia (07/05)

The Zambian Government is pursuing an economic diversification program to reduce the economy's reliance on the copper industry. This initiative seeks to exploit other components of Zambia's rich resource base by promoting agriculture, tourism, gemstone mining, and hydro power. ... [Read More]

Arms and Conflict in Africa

Apart from undermining the promise of African democratization and development, armed conflicts contribute to political decay, facilitate state collapse, cause widespread human rights violations, generate refugees and internally displaced persons, and exacerbate famine conditions. Conflicts also divert scarce resources away from social services, disrupt trade, discourage tourism, and contribute to the breakdown of family structures. The pervasiveness and persistence of conflict also have grave psychological consequences as children are traumatized or become accustomed to a culture of violence. ... [Read More]

Namibia

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Namibia is a southern African country with a moderately developed economy. Facilities for tourism are good and generally increasing in quality. The capital is Windhoek. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Namibia for additional information. ...

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are normally required. Bearers of U.S. passports who plan to visit Namibia for tourism for less than 90 days can obtain visas at the port of entry and do not need visas prior to entering the country. Travelers coming for work, whether paid or voluntary, must obtain their visas prior to entering Namibia. Travelers should obtain the latest information from the Embassy of Namibia at 1605 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20009, telephone (202) 986-0540or from the Permanent Mission of Namibia to the U.N. at 135 E. 36th St., New York, NY 10016, telephone (212) 685-2003, fax (212) 685-1561. Overseas, inquiries should be made to the nearest Namibian embassy. See our Foreign Entry Requirements brochure for more information on Namibia and other countries. Visit the Embassy of N ... [Read More]

Tips for Travelers to Sub Saharan Africa

March 2001 Foreword Your trip to Africa will be an adventure off the beaten path. Conditions and customs in sub-Saharan Africa can contrast sharply with those in the United States. These pages contain advice to help you avoid inconvenience and difficulties. Take our advice seriously but don’t let it keep you at home. Most Americans have unforgettable experiences in Africa. We are often welcomed and helped by Africans who are happy to share not just their scenery, but their culture and tradition ... [Read More]

V. Country Narratives -- Countries A through G

France is a destination country for women trafficked for the purposes of sexual exploitation and involuntary domestic servitude, primarily from Eastern and Central Europe and Africa. The number of Chinese women trafficked to France for sexual exploitation increased in 2004. The government estimates that there are 10,000 to 12,000 trafficking victims in France, 3,000-8,000 of whom are children forced into prostitution and labor. Nigerian trafficking networks continued to expand their activities in France. Trafficking of Brazilian women and girls for sexual exploitation to French Guiana — a French possession — remained a serious problem. The Government of France fully complies with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. Although the government did not provide full data on investigations, prosecutions, convictions, and sentences, the Secretary of State has ... [Read More]

Angola

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:  Angola is a large, developing country in southern Africa.  After gaining independence from Portugal in 1975, it was engulfed in a civil conflict that lasted for more than a quarter century.  A cease-fire was called in April 2002, two months after the death of UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi, and, on November 21, 2002, the government and former rebels signed a peace agreement that definitively ended the conflict.  Fighting has ended in all areas of the country except for the Cabinda enclave, where there have been very few recent reports of violence.  There are growing signs of economic recovery.  Nevertheless, major problems remain with virtually every element of infrastructure and government service throughout the country, including communications and basic soci ... [Read More]